Reducing energy costs is a top priority for most businesses, with companies looking to lower their carbon footprint and save on bills with their choices. Commercial bathrooms are one area where more electricity is used than you might expect.
Like any other part of the workplace used frequently, the washroom in an office, retail space or public building can be a high cost on your electricity bill. If you're looking to cut costs or be more eco-friendly in reducing energy usage, being smart about your habits and facilities is an excellent place to start.
Read on to find out our top tips to reduce electricity usage in commercial bathrooms.
What uses electricity in the bathroom?
You may think of the bathroom as a place that uses far more water than energy. However, the average electricity usage for a bathroom is higher than you might think. From overhead lights to different drying equipment, the bathroom has plenty of features that can quickly add to your electric bill. These features include:
- Overhead lighting
- Vanity lighting
- Automatic dispensers
- Auto-clean features
- Hand driers
- Item dispensers
- Heating
- Air conditioning
Tips to reduce energy usage in the washroom
Reducing energy consumption in commercial spaces is an ideal way to reduce your bills. The 2016 Building Energy Efficiency Survey detailed here found that 67% of all energy consumption in commercial spaces was directly caused by building services – which includes bathrooms. Here are some tips to consider to lower usage and reduce wasted energy:
Swap out bulbs for energy-efficient options
Overhead lighting is one of the most critical areas of improvement for most commercial bathrooms. Simply swapping out energy-hungry bulbs for newer LEDs can significantly affect what you're paying to keep your bathrooms lit brightly. LEDs also often have longer usage before needing replacement, helping you save costs in the long term.
Use technology with standby modes
If you opt for technology such as soap dispensers or hand driers, choosing options that allow standby mode is an effective way to reduce waste. When the bathroom is not in use, technology in standby mode will use the minimum amount of power, only drawing its complete power requirements when 'woken up' for use. If possible, ensuring all technology is turned off after you close for the day can be effective in cutting overnight costs.
Considering a sensor system for lighting
Putting lighting and other technology on a sensor system effectively cuts out the continual costs of bathrooms, changing rooms and similar spaces. Sensors allow lighting to trigger when someone enters the room, virtually eliminating the human element in ensuring lights are turned off. This is particularly valuable in washrooms that don't have high foot traffic, where hours of lighting use can add up with little actual usage.
How else can you save on energy costs?
Besides being more conscious of your washroom energy usage, there are other ways to save on your electricity bill. Services such as Switch Plus provide the ideal way to compare energy deals to ensure you're getting the most for your money.